Can Sydney Build the Silicon Valley of Quantum Computing?

(ABC.netAU) Australia — and Sydney in particular — has become a world leader in the push to make quantum computers a reality. “The Sydney area now, I think, has approximately the highest concentration of quantum scientists and engineers of any city in the world,” Professor Andrew Dzurak said. Professor Dzurak thinks with the right support, Sydney can become the Silicon Valley of quantum computing. He is based at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and leads another Sydney-based group pushing the quantum boundaries. Microsoft Station Q Sydney aims to develop a useful, scalable quantum computer.
UNSW is joining forces with the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, the University of Technology and a string of start-ups and tech giants, with the hopes of it becoming the place to be for quantum tech. A funding announcement by the NSW Government could push Sydney over that verge, with the establishment of a Sydney Quantum Academy. “We’re announcing a $15.4 million investment in Sydney’s quantum future,” NSW Minister for Innovation Matt Kean said.The Government believes that money will be matched by industry and universities to create a $35 million investment in the technology over five years.
Professor Dzurak thinks with the right support, Sydney can become the Silicon Valley of quantum computing.
“Silicon Valley is successful because it has lots of companies, lots of expertise, all centralised in one area. And that’s what we’ve already got the genesis of here.”